KISS Keep it Simple…
Simple plans done well are better than complex plans hastily put together.
The production of a quality finished video can be an incredible undertaking, with many unforeseen complications and expenses. BCU is here to help, but our resources are limited and our time can get expensive. Below are some guidelines that can help you cut down costs, time, and minimize unforeseen complications.
Pre-Production: Planning
Production: Shooting
Post-Production: Editing
Storyboards:
The first thing you'll need to do is figure out what it is you want to accomplish. Not only does a plan and a roadmap make for a better finished product, but it also cuts down your production time and minimizes frustrations.
At the bottom of this section you can download a copy of what is called a Storyboard. These are used as an outline for the video, audio, and planning of each shoot. Each short clip on your video should be written down on this sheet so that everyone involved knows and understands what is going on. You can draw a thumbnail sketch of each shot, then write down a brief description of what is happening in the scene (including action and dialog).
Keep your audio as simple as possible. Sound effects that are separate from the actually recorded video will be difficult and time consuming to incorporate. You will only have two tracks of audio to work with. One of them will already be used up by whatever is on the video footage. This means that you can have dialogue and music, but no other sound effects at the same time unless it was recorded onto the original video footage.
The Storyboard also has a section for division of labor (who is in the shot, who will be using the camera, who’s in charge, etc.). Remember to put the title of each story on the top of the sheet and use the Thumbnail box and Action box to write down exactly what titles & credits you want BCU to make. You will have a generic selection of colors to sort from for text and background. You can also fade in and out of black or any other color, but it's important to remember that you'll need to fade to and from black between each separate skit. Fill out the rest of the form, as you need to give yourselves an idea of length and timing.
Download blank Storyboard here. (power point)
Access to Equipment
Any regular VHS camcorder will work. However, try to stay away from using anything that is Hi-8, beta, or 8mm. These other formats are not compatible with most VCRs and editing suites.
ISS (Instructional Support Services) has a variety of camcorders you can check out. If you're using them specifically to videotape something for a class, they will check them out overnight for free; otherwise there will be a substantial charge. For information from ISS you can call their front desk at (509) 335-4535.
Blank Videotapes can be bought at most stores. Try to use the highest grade of tape you can (example: PRO, Broadcast Quality, etc.) stay away from anything that says A-grade.
Remember: VHS & S-VHS are not the same thing. S-VHS is a higher quality tape format that will not play or record on conventional home VCRs or Camcorders. However, BCU’s editing system plays both VHS & S-VHS tapes.
Audio Microphones
Most cameras have built in microphones that record all the sounds in a shoot. Its not uncommon for the voices of the performers to be buried under sounds of passing cars, wind, and random background noise. This is why it’s important to always bring a pair of headsets with you on every shoot. By hooking up your headphones to the camera you can monitor your audio. This gives you the opportunity to tell your actors to speak up and figure out what background sounds need to be diminished.
Always be aware of the background sounds you have in every scene. Try not to videotape outside in the middle of rush hour, or nearby exhaust fans, etc. Sometimes background sound can add a nice touch of atmosphere when used in the right context.
There are a few camcorders that have input jacks for external microphones, but these are few and far between. It is also very difficult to gain access to an adequate microphone. They add a nice touch and dramatically improve the sound quality when used correctly, but with a little preparation you can get the best out of any system you end up with.
Talent Release Forms
IT is extremely important in all cases to get written permission for anyone whose likeness or belongings may appear in your video. This will protect you from many legal issues. At the bottom of this section you can download a generic release form, or you can make one yourself that pertains to your specific production and include any additionally agreements you may have with your talent like payment, limits on use, etc.
Download general release form here. (MS Word)
Videotaping
When you start taping there are several things to remember.
1) Important: Each time you start recording a shot you need to record at least 5 seconds before your action actually starts, otherwise we'll have to cut off the beginning of your shot in the editing room.
2) You will also want to make sure that all unnecessary noise is eliminated in your environment. For example, whenever a truck drives by or someone in the room coughs, you might want to reshoot that segment. Keep the microphone out of excessive wind.
3) Keep your actors in well-lit areas. Cameras are notorious for giving you bad footage in low light levels.
4) Always record your tapes at standard speed (SP)! Do not videotape or record off TV, etc. at LP or ELP. A two-hour tape should only be able to record two hours at this speed. Editing systems can only operate in SP mode.
Video Logging
When you have finished shooting a tape, find a VCR that has a SMPTE time code counter on it. It will look like this (00:00:00:00) on your counter, meaning- (hours : minutes : seconds : frames). If you can’t find a VCR with this, bring the tape to BCU and we can make a duplicate of the tape with these numbers running across the bottom of the video.
Rewind your tape and reset this counter to 00:00:00:00.
There is a downloadable copy of a video log at the bottom of this section. Fill it out with a consecutive listing of what is on that tape. List every take and shot separately. It is very important to write the counter number down for the beginning of each segment. This form is extremely important, and will save a lot of time. Make sure you have filled one out before you start editing!
Download video log here. (MS Excell)
Edit Log
Once you have logged your raw footage, you'll want to figure out which shots you’ll want to use and in what order you want them placed on your final video. Fill this information out on the Edit Log which you can download at the bottom of this section. The time in and out columns should match the exact times off of your raw footage tape for each shot you want to use (remember to mention which tapes these numbers correspond to). Put these shots in order on this form and make sure you include a row for each time you need to create titles, credits, etc.
Download Edit Log here. (MS Excell)
Character Generator Sheets
Every time you want to include text, make sure you fill out a page with the exact wording, spelling, and placement. It would be nice if it was typed, but a handwritten page will do. Remember to have as little text on the screen as possible. The fonts are fairly large, a TV screen does not have the same proportions as a sheet of paper, and your viewer isn’t able to read large quantities of text either.
Video Editing
Once this has been completed, you’re now ready to edit. You can either rent an editing suite and edit your video yourself, or you can make arrangements for a production unit like BCU to edit it for you.
ISS has do-it-yourself editing suites. However, they are completely self-service, and for non-class related purposes it may cost $25/hour to use.
OR- you could sign up for editing sessions with BCU. There are several employees here who have the training and talents to edit your videos for you. They also have access to video and computer equipment you won’t have any access to at ISS. Currently, editing times including the use of the equipment and the labor fees of having one staff member work on your video, costs $30 per hour. You’ll need to schedule your appointments ahead of time 8:00am to 5:00pm, Monday through Friday. Keep in mind, it could potentially take up to an 1 hour of editing time too create each minute of finished video. Make sure you bring all of your raw footage tapes, storyboards, video logs, edit logs, and text scripts with you
***Remember that every time you duplicate a video the picture quality degrades. The farther down a tape is from the original the worse its picture will be, so try to copy from the Master/Raw footage whenever possible.